If you have a problem and have
exhausted all other options [read below] and currently have
an XP CD (not Restore media supplied by the OEM) and simply
want to Clean install XP, select the
Clean Install link below
with a step by step guide to Clean install XP.

If you want information how to format a hard drive with
XP installed, see the options from the menu on the left
for your situation.

Before formatting a hard drive,
make sure you have backed up all the important data and
anything that cannot be replaced from other sources.

Hint: It is usually not necessary to format XP to
correct a problem. You should first try to find a solution
from the Microsoft Knowledge Base, the Microsoft newsgroups,
manufacturer web sites or if you suspect a virus, get the
latest virus definitions from your AV manufacturer's web
site; you can also run one of the many free web format virus
scans.

As a last option before resorting
to a format and reinstall, a Repair Install will usually
fix file corruption problems and leave your applications
and setting intact. Updates not included on the XP CD used
for the repair install will need to be reapplied and should
be applied before connecting to the internet. Updates can
be downloaded and burned to CD media prior to the Repair
Install or clean install.

The alternative to applying
the SP updates after the repair or clean install is to slipstream
the updates into the XP CD.

Check for links in the Clean
Install link below as they will be the latest updated links
for slipstreaming.

The Repair Install is not a fix for and will not remove
a malware or adware problem, but it will restore files affected
by the malware or adware applications after they are removed.